Health survey of DuPage adults finds positive trends and challenges

DUPAGE COUNTY—The results of a new survey of DuPage County adults covering their health status, prevalence of disease and their lifestyle practices has been released by the DuPage County Health Department. The results are available on the health department's website.

The health department has conducted a Behavioral Risk Factor Survey (BRFS) four times since 1996. It provides valuable data that helps the health department make plans to improve the health of DuPage County residents. This BRFS was completed by the Northern Illinois University Public Opinion Laboratory. More than 1,100 persons were interviewed by phone.

The 2010 survey finds positive trends regarding health-related quality of life and lifestyle practices, including:

• Three out of five residents reported excellent or very good health.

• More than 96 percent were very satisfied or satisfied with their lives.

Some positive patterns also appeared in the area of preventive health practices, including:

• Women aged 40 and older showed an increase in mammogram testing.

• More residents are getting flu shots.

Although positive trends were identified in 2010, challenges include the following:

• The number of adults without healthcare insurance coverage increased.

• The number of adults without a doctor or healthcare provider remains constant with cost of obtaining services being the biggest barrier.

Based on these results, it is clear that access to health services continues to be an area requiring attention from local public health partners.

The survey also found that DuPage County is not immune to the growing health concerns related to obesity and the rise in chronic diseases, including:

• Based on Body Mass Index, 24.3 percent of adults were obese and 35.8 percent were considered overweight, both comparable to survey results in 2005.

• Diabetes rates rose from 5.3 percent in 2005 to 6.8 percent in 2010.

Obesity prevention and access to health services are two priority areas being addressed in the health department's 2015 Community Health Improvement Plan.

For more information on the DuPage County Health Department, follow us on Twitter @DuPageHD or become a fan on Facebook.

Visit www.dupagehealth.org to view the DuPage County 2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey Report.

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